Two women have thought of a unique way to tackle the weekly shop while raising money for a national appeal.

Laura Winter has been collecting funds for the National Emergencies Trust's Coronavirus Appeal by dressing up in a different outfit each week for her essential shop at Sainsbury's on Pepper Hill, Northfleet.

Alongside her friend Laya Chaouchi, from Bath, the 35-year-old created the 'Smiles in the Aisles' fundraising movement in early January and has so far raised £610 of her £1,000 target.

They also have people taking part in London, East Sussex and Dorset.

Laura, of Stanbrook Road, Gravesend, said: "We saw this as an opportunity to do more than just support this excellent charity.

"It was a chance to inject some fun and brighten up people's shopping experience, which for many may be the only time they leave the house.

"We wanted to generate some smiles in the aisles."

Each week, the duo head to their local supermarkets in full fancy dress to complete their essential weekly shop. They then share their photos and videos online for their supporters.

Laya said: "Some of our friends have joined in and we'd love to get more people on board.

"My kids love to dress up with me. It makes the supermarket shop much more fun.

"It's such an entertaining way to raise money for a great cause."

The National Emergencies Trust Coronavirus Appeal is raising money to support those impacted by the pandemic across the UK.

The funds raised are distributed to national and local charities, transforming donations into emergency food, health and wellbeing support, safe spaces to live, specialist telephone and web-based advice services.

You can donate to the pair's campaign here.

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